The Water Trails Specialist will assist DNR River Programs staff with field data collection using mobile units and process the data using GIS and other software tools. The Water Trails Specialist will also design signage plans and native planting plans for river restoration and water trail projects in site reviews, as well as other facets of project planning. Corpsmember will work alongside natural resource professionals to build their skillset and complete conservation projects.
Service Activities
The Water Trails Specialist will assist DNR River Programs staff in site reviews, project design, equipment and materials procurement, maintenance, repair, budget estimation, permitting, engineering submittals and other facets of project planning. The member will assist with field data collection using mobile units and process, edit, or analyze data using GIS and other software tools in the office. The Specialist will also design signage plans, order and install navigational signage, design native planting plans for river restoration and water trail projects using DNR guidelines.
During the construction field season, this position will serve as a liaison between Conservation Corps field crews and the DNR Construction Technician, providing Corpsmembers with training, leadership, and project management. The Water Trails Specialist must be able to safely operate power and hand tools, small equipment and trucks pulling trailers and must effectively read and implement landscape drawings and designs.
Community Need Addressed
The Conservation Corps addresses environmental challenges in our communities through the dedicated service of its members. The Water Trails Specialist will assist Iowa DNR River Programs staff in site reviews, project design, equipment and materials procurement, maintenance, repair, budget estimation, permitting, engineering submittals and other facets of project planning. During the construction field season, this position will serve as a liaison between Conservation Corps field crews and the DNR Construction Technician, providing Corpsmembers with training, leadership, and project management.
Position Outcomes
The Water Trails Specialist will gain experience designing and implementing projects, develop leadership skills, create and administer training to other AmeriCorps members, and gain expertise in various technical water trail management skills.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Public speaking, tool management, decision-making, time management, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, project management.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment